Rainbows End is named for the shiny bright green/golden coloration that pops in a shade garden. Perhaps it gives the impression of the gold found at the end of a rainbow, but even if it doesn't, we think it can provide eye-drawing color to the darker parts of your garden. Paired with darker colors, Rainbows End can be used to draw the eye, creating a golden pathway of color that might lead the observer to a specimen tree, hardscape feature or statue. Coming in as around 20 inches wide and a foot tall its medium size keeps it versatile, but also substantial enough to make an impact in the garden. 

Hostas are a popular perennial due to their flexibility and tolerance of many types of sunlight, but are best known for their success in shade. They are a great plant for supporting the showier members of your garden collective, but can offer many striking features in their own right. Hostas come in thousands of different varieties and many distinct shapes and colors. There is truly a hosta for every occasion or situation. They are hardy plants that can thrive in pristine and urban environments alike. Pair with Coral Bells for an excellent variety of shade tolerant low lying plants for walkways, borders and blending or joining garden elements.

 Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Perennial Hostas

For best success we recommend that you plant hostas in a rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture well. Hostas prefer some shade, and filtered or dappled shade is the best for consistent full growth. Morning sun typically does not burn hostas, but strong afternoon sun tends to burn or kill them outright. Remember that hostas naturally grow at the edge of woodlands in the filtered light beneath trees in rich loamy soil and you’ll always prepare the right conditions for your hostas. In areas of poor soil a thick layer of hard-wood mulch will quickly improve conditions.

Hostas are easily propagated and can be split during any time in their growing season. Each hosta you divide should have at least 3 eyes for best success, so as a rule of thumb divide every 2-3 years. Slugs can be a problem for hostas, so keep an eye out for holes in the center of your leaves, and consider slug traps if they become a serious problem. Cleaning out the dead foliage of your hostas in the fall will help eliminate slugs and other leaf eating insects and should be done as a preventative measure.